Worcester firefighters rescue 4 people from burning triple-decker

WORCESTER, Mass. — Firefighters are working to determine what sparked a 4-alarm fire in Worcester on Thursday.

The fire broke out at a triple-decker home on Harrison Street around 7 p.m.  Firefighters say the flames appear to have started on the back porch and tore through the multi-family home in a matter of minutes.

Witnesses described a dramatic situation with four people dangling out of second and third-story windows trying to escape the smoke and flames.

Fortunately, fire crews rescued three people on the third floor and one person on the second floor by raising ladders up to the windows.

Just before 9:30 p.m., Worcester Fire tweeted the blaze had been extinguished.  Firefighters say an "extensive overhaul is in progress."

Several residents are being treated for smoke inhalation. Four firefighters are also being treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion.

The Red Cross tweeted Thursday night saying it was assisting displaced residents.

>> Bellingham Police searching for missing woman with autism

Cox Media Group